Alexis Sanchez is expected to take the no. 11 shirt when he completes a move from Manchester United to Inter, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The forward would have picked no. 7 but has been told that now belongs ‘formally’ to Mauro Icardi, who chose it after losing no. 9 to Romelu Lukaku.

Sanchez cannot wait to join up with Antonio Conte in Milan but the 30-year-old will have to keep training in Manchester for a little longer.

Inter are not concerned that talks are taking longer than expected and could finalise their agreement with United as early as today.

Sanchez will join the Nerazzurri on a free loan with an option to buy for €15 million, but his astronomic wages remain a stumbling block.

Inter are only prepared to pay around €4 million of the player’s €14 million annual salary, leaving Sanchez with no choice but to negotiate a wage cut with United.

CdS denied reports suggesting United’s desire to sign a replacement could be holding up the deal.

The Reds may look to sign a free agent to cover Sanchez’s departure, following reports Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was concerned about a striker shortage, but this will not bear any influence on their talks with Inter.